How to build a career in public relations

Kick starting a career in Public Relations is a tough journey for new professionals keen to establish their foothold in the industry. To build a career in Public Relationsrequires a lot of hard work as the job market is fiercely competitive. With numerous graduates applying for open positions across the Public Relations domain, it is essential that organisations raise their standards and expectations of the employees who constitute their PR teams. It won‘t be incorrect to state that a robust communications team is crucial for the successful development and maintenance of a brand’s image.

From the management of media relations to identifying the latest business opportunities and enhancing brand awareness,building a PR team is an essential component for all enterprises eyeing to develop a notable reputation. Most enterprises are looking for the ideal PR candidate who can effectively strategise, execute and attain results and want to build a career in Public Relations.

Professionals or students keen to build a career in Public Relationsshould possess a dynamic combination of verbal and written communication, a keen understanding of the media and the ability to work in close co-ordination with it, as well as an eye for detail apart from the deep knowledge of society and public at large.

According to a recent study, a PR career ranks among the most popular choices for graduates across the globe. Experts state that the career development opportunities are abundant in this domain.

Although, every PR agency follows their own promotion pattern; on completing the initial training program, a graduate should expect the following career progression.

Working in-house

PR or communications assistant

Senior PR or communications officer

PR or communications manager

Head or director of PR or communications

Working in a consultancy

Junior Account executive

Account executive

Senior account executive or account manager

Associate or account director

Head of a particular specialism or a partner

Students planning to pursue a career in the PR industry should do the following:

Consider pursuing a major in English, Journalism, Communications or marketing.

Start a blog of their own on a specific topic of interest

Bolster writing/communication credentials by being associated with campus newspapers, magazines and local TV stations.

Consider working as a PR coordinator for campus organisations or NGOs.

Work in positions where one is in charge of organising fashion shows, concerts and other events.

Do internships with PR agencies, communication departments, media outlets and marketing enterprise. One can also consider internship opportunities with domestic and international companies.

Join PR groups (online and offline both) to get a better understanding about the field, find mentors and internship opportunities.

Kick start one’s career with a post-graduate internship.

A PR practitioner should be a critical thinker to get a better understanding of issues, nurture the best creative possibilities and give tough competition to their peers. In this way, they will be able to stay ahead of the game and also add real value to the enterprise they choose to work for.

In this age of social networking and digital communication, improved communication methods are bringing tremendous changes every single day. A PR professional’s work is connected with building reputation, efficient relationships and conducting two-way communication.

So, if you love being spontaneous and crave excitement, PR is the best career for you.

2 Comments

Due to high competition for entry-level positions in public relations, students might seek internships either during or upon completion of a bachelor’s degree program in order to gain training and experience. Journalism is another industry that provides growth opportunities leading to public relations positions; familiarity with media practices can be extremely helpful to those guiding and safeguarding their companies’ public images.

PR agencies look for candidates who are can offer deliver unique responses and are not thrown off by tough situations. No PR agency expects the ideal Account Coordinator candidates to be fluent in technology, but they should be willing to demonstrate their interest in technology by telling us about industry publications, new companies or tech trends that they are following. Showing interest in what a company or agency focuses on is always a BIG plus, regardless of industry.